Rios Hires Ariza to Prepare for Pacquiao?

Maxboxing.com has learned that former strength-and-conditioning coach for Manny Pacquiao, Alex Ariza is now working with Brandon Rios on a two-week trial basis. Pacquiao and Rios are set to fight each other November 23 in Macao, China’s Cotai Arena, live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Each is set to begin testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in the coming weeks.

Maxboxing.com was told by a source that Mikey Garcia, Rios and Ariza were seen working out at the famous steps in Santa Monica, CA. On Monday, Rios’ publicist, Nancy Rodriguez clarified that Ariza had not been hired for the whole camp, which is underway, but rather for the trial period “to see how everyone gets along.” That trial began on Saturday. Rios has been training since August but went into full training mode in September, according to Rodriguez.

Rios previously worked with Angel “Memo” Heredia for his rematch with Mike Alvarado but the two could not come to an agreement for this camp thus making room for Ariza.

No word if Garcia, slated to fight Rocky Martinez on November 9 as part of an HBO tripleheader, is working with Ariza on a trial basis as well or if he plans on remaining with incumbent strength coach Darryl Hudson, with whom he has trained with since before winning his featherweight title earlier this year. It is also unclear at press time if Ariza will be working with the rest of trainer Robert Garcia’s stable.